I was going to suggest a PM to the OP, but seeing he's only posted 6 times, unlikely he'll see it, unless he gets an email notification. Would love to know if he did get it valued.
Many thanks for the interest in this thread. Got some interesting leads to other sites where I have posted inquiries. (active thread on RM WEB UK http://tinyurl.com/mb6m9vv and finscalerr.com http://www.finescalerr.com/smf/index.php?topic=2284.0 )
@stoker....wonderful photos of the Chicago Fair and thanks for starting the finscalerr thread. The smokestack drawings are a hoot. Your Chicago Fair comments make sense, maybe this thing was used to promote the builder’s products.
@Colin...haven’t found any “model engineering” sites yet...still looking
@Ray D...can’t seem to post to gscalecentral
@ scroggin...Egyptian seems to be the choice so far
Important detail I originally omitted: the rails are 6 inches apart. Is this a common modeling gauge?
I’ve put some more photos at: http://tinyurl.com/msuen69
Bottom line is that I really haven’t learned much about this wonderful model. Who built it and when? I really find it hard to believe that such a handsome piece of craftsmanship wasn’t marked it someway my its creator!
Whadda ya think my next step should be? Contact a high end auction house?